What song was that? Was there a song at all, or was it the whisper of tiredness from an unseen cosmic battle. The Easter story is full of drama, but what was the musical score. We go to the movies and in the background behind the storyline there is music. […]
Faith & Mental Health
I always thought sheep were pretty dumb. But looking at the habits they form, I now realize that actually, they aren’t totally woolly in their thinking (sorry, I had to say it). As a child growing up on a New Zealand sheep farm, I remember asking my father a very […]
God hath not promised skies always blue, Flower-strewn pathways all our lives through; God hath not promised sun without rain, Joy without sorrow, peace without pain. But God hath promised strength for the day, Rest for the labor, light for the way, Grace for the trials, help from above, Unfailing […]
Days and weeks roll into each other and tiredness slowly seeps into your soul. When each day feels like one horrendous day upon another and the treadmill is jammed on marathon setting then you need to retreat to an oasis. Do you have an Oasis? Can you give yourself […]
What is the most dangerous word in the world? I recently asked this question via my various social networks. The responses were interesting: 1. No 2. Yes 3. Can’t 4. If 5. Love For me, I think the most dangerous word in the world is ‘love’. To love means risk. […]
The Bible is full of wisdom from the ages. Reading scripture can directly support your mental health, grounding your thoughts and bringing you to new places of hope and healing. What do you think about all day long? If you’re like me, your mind most likely drifts toward what you’re […]
Over my life, I have been involved in many different styles of Christian denominational expression—or “ice cream flavors,” as I like to say. From staid conservative Bible fundamentalism to “swinging from the chandeliers” Pentecostalism and social justice activism, I have tasted many different variations. They all have strengths and weaknesses. […]
Changing a default thinking habit is like learning to drive on the other side of the road. It takes concentration, effort, and help, but with prayer, a clear vision, and the right people beside you, new thinking tracks can form. Quick answer: Default thinking patterns are deeply worn habits of […]
Feeling anxious about going to church? You are not alone. Here are 12 common barriers that keep people away from a Sunday service, and 10 practical, low-pressure ways to ease back into Christian community at your own pace. So many people avoid being part of a church service because it […]
I was seated in the second row from the front. The speaker and his ‘bling blonde’ wife were seated directly in front of me. He got up to speak and for the next 30 minutes (seemed longer) he worked the crowd. Pacing across the stage, dripping clichés, pausing for effect, urging more commitment and telling […]